Airflow deflector and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

An outlet vent airflow directing apparatus. The airflow directing apparatus may have a flexible body with elastic peripheral edges. In use, the elastic peripheral edges may engage all but one side or portion of outlet vent, wherein the unengaged peripheral edge forms an opening between the flexible body and the outlet vent through which directed air flows.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/200,861, U.S. provisional application number filed 31 Mar. 2021, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to airflow control devices and, more particularly, an airflow deflecting device made from a flexible tensile structure or membrane material that is “unbreakable”, and moveable between a flat condition and an inflated condition directing airflow via an unfixed edge.

Heating, ventilation, or cooling (HVAC) systems provide outlet vents for pushing and regulating airflow within a residential or commercial space. Such outlet vents are typically covered with a grille. The grille may be a perforated cover. The grilles sometimes have (or an add-on device has) louvers or adjustable angled slats which allow the flow of air to be directed. These “louver options” enable airflow straight out of the outlet vent or slightly angled by way of the louvers. Depending on the location of outlet vents, owners may not want air blowing in a certain direction; for instance, if furniture is sitting atop or adjacent the outlet vent, or discharged air would continuously disturb adjacent curtains, or the outlet vent is next to a seating area or sleeping area, etc.

Additionally, most outlet or register vents move between “open” or “closed” conditions, and when in the open condition to allow airflow, small items can fall into the outlet vent, between the slats. If unnoticed, such items can be lost for years or may end up as part of an accumulation of items that sub optimally restrict airflow or even pose a hazard to the HVAC system. Closing the grille vent may block dropped items from getting lost behind the grille, but it also blocks airflow. And it may require the user to get on their hands and knees every time they want to move the louvers between the open condition and the closed conditions. Also, in the closed condition means having no air deflectors, thereby preventing selectively climatizing airflow without the user having to get back on their knees to crank or move a mechanical switch again. Furthermore, louvers even in their “closed condition” may still provide gaps between adjacent slats so that small items can slide therethrough.

If a user foregoes the directional/louvered grille due to the above-mentioned hassle, then the airflow is unidirectional, and so fixed location of an outlet vent can restrict or limit the options for placing furniture or otherwise arranging a room or living space, as mentioned above.

Currently, air deflector add-on solutions have the following disadvantages. Some are held in place by magnets, but not all register vents are metal, and so they will not work on non-metallic vents. Furthermore, existing air deflectors are made of hard material and are not and cannot reasonably be tailored to the outlet vent, thus with the slightest bump, they shift out of position and no longer cover the vent correctly. Additionally, they also pose a tripping hazard, and their inflexible construction means they may break easily when stepped or tripped on.

Prior to the present invention, homeowners had two options: deal with airflow in unwanted directions and risk dropping small items into ductwork via floor vents or place add-on grilles that are made of hard material and that protrude even further above the floor than the outlet vent. The add-on grilles are not constructed to engage variously-sized outlet vents—they are one-size fits all solutions—which results dislodgement from not-perfectly sized outlet vent. As a result, these solutions tend to break easily (because of their hard material construction) so that users need to constantly replace them to their annoyance, wasting time and money.

As can be seen, there is a need for an airflow deflecting device made from a flexible tensile structure or membrane that is “unbreakable”, and moveable between a flat condition and an inflated condition by directing airflow via an unfixed edge of the flexible tensile structure or membrane.

The air deflecting device of the present invention embodies a flexible tensile structure that has the flexibility, density, and mass to substantially deflect under the urging of a standard airflow from residential and commercial HVAC outlet vents. The flexible tensile may be made but is not limited to fabric, textile, rubber, or the like so that it moves under an air flow rate ranging between 0.3 to 35 m/s. These density, mass, and flexibility parameters enable the air deflector to move between an inflated, deformed in-use condition and a flat unused condition. The air deflector apparatus of the present invention enables airflow deflection of an outlet vent, merely rotating it along the outlet vent. When air is not blowing, the tensile body of the air deflector lays flat across the register, diminishing the tripping hazard due to its low profile and flexible nature, as well as not breaking if stepped on. Furthermore, the outlet vent is always—in the in-use condition and he flat unused condition—covered so that items dropped from above would be blocked from entering the outlet vent by the body of air deflector, preventing small objects from falling into ductwork. Also, small items that land on the upper body portion would be immediately identifiable as they may further deform the body's inflated shape.

The air reflector embodied in the present invention may be held in place by elastic peripheral edges, so it is conformable to (based on its flexible construction) and so appropriate for all types and sizes of outlet vents, not just metal ones.

The flexible membrane body of the air deflector may also machine-washable, and so can be washed and reused for years without annoyance or reinvestment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an outlet vent deflecting apparatus includes a flexible tensile membrane selected to be moveable by an airflow rate between ten and thirty-five meters per second; and an elastic periphery along approximately sixty to eighty percent of a periphery of the flexible tensile membrane.

In another aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned outlet vent deflecting apparatus includes wherein the elastic periphery comprises an elastic filament incorporated into the periphery of the flexible tensile membrane, wherein the elastic filament is disposed in a peripheral channel of the flexible tensile membrane, wherein the elastic filament is outside of the peripheral channel along a remaining portion of the periphery of the flexible tensile membrane, wherein the peripheral channel is defined by a hem, wherein the hem is sewn into the flexible tensile membrane, wherein the flexible tensile membrane is generally planar when the outlet vent is inactive.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the method of deflecting airflow from an outlet vent includes the following steps: selecting a planar flexible tensile membrane selected to be moveable by an airflow from the outlet vent at a rate between ten and thirty-five meters per second; integrating an elastic element along between sixty and eighty percent of a periphery of the planar flexible tensile membrane; and engaging the elastic element to a vent periphery of the outlet vent so that the tensile membrane obstructs an entirety of the outlet vent, and then engaging the elastic element to between sixty percent and eighty percent of the vent periphery, wherein an unengaged percentage of the vent periphery is selected as a desired direction of airflow from the outlet vent, and placing the engaged percentage of the elastic element below a flange of the outlet vent.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in a deflated condition.

FIG. 2 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in an inflated condition.

FIG. 3 is a bottom front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 4-4 n FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 4-4 n FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 6-6 n FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 7-7 n FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an outlet vent airflow directing apparatus. The airflow directing apparatus may have a flexible body with elastic peripheral edges. In use, a majority of elastic peripheral edges may engage three out of four sides of an (for a rectangular) outlet vent, wherein the unengaged peripheral edge/vent side forms an opening between the flexible body and the outlet vent through which directed air flows.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 7, the present invention may include an airflow directing device 10. The airflow directing device 10 may have a flexible body 12 made of lightweight textile, fabrics, membranes of natural and/or synthetic material or any suitably flexible material that functions as disclosed herein. The flexible body 12 may be a rectangular shaped tensile structure (through other shapes can be used). A joining element 16, such as but not limited to thread 16 or other joining method may be used to facilitate the manufacture of the airflow directing device 10 having a flexible body 12 with elastic peripheral edges. In some embodiments, a fabric or textile sheet may have a sewn hem for receiving an elastic filament 14.

The airflow directing device 10 may include the elastic filament 14 for attaching to an outlet vent/cover 11B, though other forms of (possibly through incorporating elastic material along the periphery of the flexible body 12) elasticizing the peripheral edges is contemplated herein. The elastic filament 14 may be flat to facilitate threading it through a space defined by the hem or peripheral channel 13 of the flexible body 12. The hem may be sewn into the membrane of the flexible body 20 using the threading 16. The elastic filament 16 may be tied together to make a loop. The elastic filament 12 may be dimensioned to fit fully over and snugly against a periphery of the outlet vent/cover 11B in such a way that the flexible body 12 lays generally flat across the top of the outlet vent/cover 11B.

The flexible body 12 may be joined along only three of its four (or plurality of edges for other non-rectangular shapes) edges, leaving at least one, the leading or directional edge 18, not joined. In other embodiments, all the edges have sufficient elastic properties to exhibit adequate stretch to circumscribe the outlet vent 11B, which may have a plurality of edges (or only one edge in the case of a circular vent) that are at least three inches in length. Critically, there is one peripheral edge, the directional edge 18, that does not have elastic properties (i.e., there is no elastic filament 14 through its hem/peripheral channel) or it has elastic properties but this directional edge 18 is not fixed to the outlet vent. By not being directly tied down to the outlet vent 11B, the directional edge 18 offers less resistance to the airflow 40 via the outlet vent 11B that urged against the underside of the flexible body 12. As a result, the airflow 40 is directed through the space defined between the outlet vent 11B and the directional edge 18 of the flexible body 12, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

Also, as a result, the flexible body 12 is urged into a non-linear three-dimensional shape from a flat two-dimensional, linear shape. When the HVAC system turns on, the resulting airflow 40 through the ductwork and out the outlet vent 11B, forces the underside surface flexible body 12, wherein the flexible body 12 is fixed along all but a portion or one of its peripheral edges, to bulge, swell or inflate into a volumetric shape over the outlet vent 11B. The dome/volumetric shape deflects or directs the airflow 40 in the direction of the directional edge 18.

A method of manufacturing the present invention may include the following. A material may be formed or cut to specific dimensions for multiple sizes and different sizes of outlet vents 11B or registers. A peripheral channel 13 may be incorporated or formed around all or a majority of the peripheral edge(s) of the flexible body 12 using, in certain embodiments, thread 16, wherein the hem or equivalent defines the peripheral channel 13. The above-mentioned directional edge 18 may or may not have a hem.

The elastic filament 14 may be cut to length and threaded through the hem/peripheral channel 13 around all three sides, but not the directional edge 18. The two loose ends of the elastic filament 14 may be tied together to create an elastic (endless) loop. When the present invention is placed over the outlet vent 11B, the elastic loop running through the peripheral channel 13 of the body 12 fits around the base of the outlet vent 11B, at or near the floor 11A.

The outlet vent 11B may have flange-like portions 17 spaced apart above the floor 11A. In this space the elastic filament 14-filled peripheral channel 13 may be disposed, urging and fixing the associated portions of the flexible body 12 to the outlet vent 11B. In some embodiments, the conduit-portion 19 of the outlet vent 11B may be engaged by the filament 14-filled peripheral channel 13, thereby creating the sufficient fixation to not let the airflow 40 pass.

The directional edge 18 facing in the desired direction of airflow 40 in such a way that the airflow 40 of the outlet vent 11B is directed accordingly. As mentioned above, the airflow 40 also urges the flexible body 12 to form a domed shape, expands upwardly, creating a dome over the outlet vent 11B. Thus, the present invention moves between a flat condition and an inflated condition, directing the airflow 14. When the outlet vent 11B is not discharging airflow, the flexible body 12 lays generally flat across the top of the outlet vent 11B, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5. To change the direction of directed airflow 40, a user need only unfixed the edge that faces the desired direction. For a rectangular outlet vent 11B it is conceivable either of the four sides of the outlet vent 11B may be associated with the directional edge 18.

A user may first measure the outlet vent 11B to determine correct dimensions, then they may purchase the product in the correct size. Once the user has the correct product, they may lift up the edge of the selected outlet vent 11B, and then they will slide the elastic peripheral edges fully around the outlet vent 11B (in the same manner as putting on a shower cap or stocking cap) and ensure the directional edge 18 is facing the desired direction. Once installed, the present invention will function on its own as soon as the HVAC system turns on.

In certain embodiments, different shapes of the flexible body 12 may be used to form non-domed shapes. Likewise, indicia and graphics may be placed along an upward facing side of the flexible body 12 to add aesthetic qualities.

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. And the term “substantially” refers to up to 90% or more of an entirety. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The words “about,” “approximately,” or the like, when accompanying a numerical value, are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and/or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the described embodiments. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments or the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms unless specifically stated to the contrary.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An outlet vent deflecting apparatus comprising: a flexible tensile membrane selected to be moveable by an airflow rate between ten and thirty-five meters per second; and an elastic periphery along approximately sixty to eighty percent of a periphery of the flexible tensile membrane.
 2. The outlet vent deflecting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic periphery comprises an elastic filament incorporated into the periphery of the flexible tensile membrane.
 3. The outlet vent deflecting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the elastic filament is disposed in a peripheral channel of the flexible tensile membrane.
 4. The outlet vent deflecting apparatus of claim 3, wherein the elastic filament is outside of the peripheral channel along a remaining portion of the periphery of the flexible tensile membrane.
 5. The outlet vent deflecting apparatus of claim 4, wherein the peripheral channel is defined by a hem.
 6. The outlet vent deflecting apparatus of claim 5, wherein the hem is sewn into the flexible tensile membrane.
 7. The outlet vent deflecting apparatus of claim 6, wherein the flexible tensile membrane is generally planar when the outlet vent is inactive.
 8. A method of deflecting an airflow from an outlet vent comprising: selecting a planar flexible tensile membrane selected to be moveable by an airflow from the outlet vent at a rate between ten and thirty-five meters per second; integrating an elastic element along between sixty and eighty percent of a periphery of the planar flexible tensile membrane; and engaging the elastic element to a vent periphery of the outlet vent so that the tensile membrane obstructs an entirety of the outlet vent.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising engaging the elastic element to between sixty percent and eighty percent of the vent periphery; and selecting an unengaged percentage of the vent periphery as a desired direction of the airflow from the outlet vent.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising placing the engaged percentage of the elastic element below a flange of the outlet vent. 